Christie stripped of key benefit in revised bill

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gov. Chris Christie would not be given the chance to earn income from a book deal while in office in a revised version of a state government pay and benefits bill.

The bill is set to be fast-tracked in the New Jersey Legislature.

The details have changed quickly Friday.

The Associated Press obtained an earlier draft that would have cleared the way for the Republican, a possible 2016 presidential candidate, to collect fees from a book while still governor. That is not allowed under current state law.

The legislation would allow raises for top staff and increases the pay for judges and the next governor. A pension change also included would benefit a few elected officials by allowing them to re-enroll in the state retirement system.